Call for 'Irish Alamo' 1916 Rising site to be preserved

Moore Street houses in Dublin city centre where 1916 rebels spent their final hours before surrendering were described as “The Irish Alamo” by the leader of those who are campaigning to preserve the site.

The comments were made by Matt Doyle, the secretary of the National Graves Association, during a public meeting of the ‘Save 16 Moore Street’ campaign last night in Dublin.

In 2007 the then Environment Minister Dick Roche designated houses 14 to 17 on Moore Street as national monuments. Irish history was shaped in number 16 Moore Street which is said to be the location where Irish Rebel leaders made the decision to surrender to British forces after the 1916 rising.

Despite their historical significance earlier this year An Bord Pleanála approved planning permission for the redevelopment of the site. Joe O'Reilly, an Irish property developer has been granted permission for the development which is to include retail and residential units, restaurants and car spaces.

Speaking during the meeting Mr Doyle said “We welcome the regeneration of the area but we’re concerned the development will be an infringement on the national monument site. Next year is the 95th anniversary of the Rising and politicians will be banging their chests. They’re not interested until it comes to an anniversary. . .

“This site is the Irish Alamo, there should be a national monument to it,” he added.

James Connolly Heron,a great grandson of James Connolly and a member of the “Save 16 Moore Street” committee said: “We’re calling for the terrace to be taken out of the development plan altogether and for the creation of a holistic cultural quarter.”